The Lord told Jonah to go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against its wickedness. However, Jonah did not like his assignment and decided to runaway from God. Jonah boarded a ship and headed in the opposite direction from where the Lord wanted him to go.
The Lord chased after Jonah by sending a fierce storm that threatened to break up the ship Jonah was using for his great escape. The only way for the storm to cease was for the sailors to throw Jonah overboard. Despite the crew’s concern for Jonah, they tossed him into the sea.
While Jonah was sinking, the Lord rescued him by means of a great fish. God placed Jonah in timeout for three days and nights. Jonah prayed from inside the belly of the fish. The Lord heard Jonah’s prayer and commanded the fish to vomit Jonah out onto dry land.
In spite of Jonah’s disobedience, God gave him another chance to fulfill his mission. When God spoke to Jonah the second time, he quickly obeyed and went directly to the great city of Nineveh. Because of Jonah’s message, the people of Nineveh turned from their wicked ways and turned to God.
Has God placed you in a timeout today? You might feel like a castaway and that God has given up on you. God has not abandoned you! Start crying out to Him in prayer as Jonah did so He can help you out of whatever situation you are facing. He longs to see your upturn in spirit so you can carry on with the good plans He has waiting for you.
Maybe some of you have been avoiding God. You have been running from one activity to the next trying to flee from the things God desires. God has not put you in timeout because He is patiently waiting for you to choose His best course of direction. Turn to God today and ask Him for clarity so you do not end up in unnecessary timeout for days, weeks, or possibly months.
Whether God has you in timeout or you have been on the run, know that God offers you a second chance. God knows the plans He has for you, so it is wise to take timeout with Him so he can begin to reveal His plans to you. You will never go wrong when you obey God and head in the right direction. Chances are it will be the best time of your life!